GF AgieCharmilles Form P 600

The AgieCharmilles FORM P 600 is the mid-size die-sinking EDM of GF Machining Solutions' FORM P series, with 600 x 400 x 450 mm of X, Y and Z travel. It accepts workpieces up to 1040 x 730 x 410 mm and 1600 kg, carries electrodes up to 50 kg, and GF quotes a best surface finish of Ra 0.08 μm for this size. Below it sits the AgieCharmilles FORM P 350 with 350 x 250 x 300 mm of travel.

The tank is larger than the axis stroke. A block of the maximum 1040 mm width is wider than the 600 mm X travel, so on a part that size the electrode works the zones the axes reach rather than the whole face. Dielectric capacity is 700 l and the bath level can be set from 100 to 430 mm, enough to cover the tallest 410 mm workpiece. Table-to-chuck distance runs from 150 to 600 mm; on a tall die, the part height and the electrode holder both come out of that 600 mm, which is what decides the longest electrode you can hang.

The AgieCharmilles FORM P 900 is the step up, with 900 x 700 x 500 mm of travel, 3000 kg workpieces and a 2500 l tank. Electrode weight is 50 kg on both, and the FORM P 600 quotes Ra 0.08 μm where the AgieCharmilles FORM P 900 quotes Ra 0.1 μm, so the smaller machine is the one listed for the finer finish.

GF describes the whole FORM P series with iGap control of the lateral spark gap, iQ technology aimed at lower electrode wear, an application database, and the TECFORM expert system, which generates erosion parameters for graphite roughing and copper finishing electrodes. Options on the series include the Accura C-axis (inertia capacity up to 5,000 kg·cm²), a rotary tool changer from 16 to 160 positions, six additional programmable flushing outlets and up to two additional axes. The machine stands 2265 x 2110 mm on the floor, is listed at 3005 mm or 3130 mm high, and weighs 4800 kg without dielectric.